Entries by Kayla Ritter

The Stream, January 29: Oceans Reached Record-High Temperatures in 2017, Data Shows

The Global Rundown Researchers conclude that 2017 was the hottest year on record for earth’s oceans. Residents in Haiti implore the international community for help in obtaining clean drinking water. The risk of disease in coral reefs is increasing due to plastic pollution, a study finds. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan will meet on Monday to […]

The Stream, January 26: California Mulls Water Delivery Alternatives After Funding Efforts Fail

The Global Rundown California considers alternatives to the $17 billion delta tunnel project after funding efforts fail. Flooding and landslides disrupt railway lines across Scotland. Scientists discover a drought-resistant strain of wild rice in Australia’s crocodile-infested waters. England plans to cut back on plastic pollution by installing free water refill points in every major town […]

The Stream, January 25: Cape Town Officials Move “Day Zero” Forward to April 12

The Global Rundown Cape Town, South Africa, moves “Day Zero” forward by nine days as dams levels continue to diminish. Water-related recreational activities sicken millions in the U.S. each year, new research shows. Rivers across Europe continue to overflow due to persistent rainfall and melting snow. Richmond, California, becomes the ninth U.S. city to sue […]

The Stream, January 24: Flooding Swamps Roads, Halts Transportation in France and United Kingdom

The Global Rundown The River Seine overflows its bank amid heavy rainfall, halting normal transportation in Paris, France. The end of a cold snap brings rains and flooding throughout the United Kingdom. The U.S. Supreme Court rules that cases litigating the Clean Water Act should be heard in federal district courts. Industry experts warn that […]

HotSpots H2O, January 23: Iran Follows Alarming Pattern of Water Crisis

Skirmishes over water begin in Cape Town, South Africa, as the city approaches “Day Zero.”

The Stream, January 22: Saudi Arabia Plans to Build Nine Desalination Plants on the Red Sea

The Global Rundown Saudi Arabia announces the construction of nine desalination plants on the Red Sea. Authorities find that over half of Karachi, Pakistan’s, water supply is unfiltered. Malawi’s staple maize crop suffers amid dry weather and a worsening pest infestation. Dwindling snowpack in the southwestern U.S. poses problems for the region’s water supply. Commercial […]

The Stream, January 19: EU Cereal Crops in Good Condition Amid Bountiful Rainfall and Mild Temperatures

The Global Rundown Cereal crops across the European Union are in good condition due to plentiful rainfall and mild temperatures. Data shows that 2017 was the hottest year on record without an El Niño event. Scientists warn against purchasing seafood caught in the area of the Sanchi oil spill, which took place in the East […]

The Stream, January 18: The U.S. Navy Pays for Water Filtration System After Fire-Fighting Chemicals Contaminate Wells

The Global Rundown The U.S. Navy agrees to pay for a filtration system after military firefighting chemicals pollute the water supply of Whidbey Island, Washington. The European Union (EU) suspends a million-dollar water conservation project in Kenya after forest guards kill a tribesman. The United Nations (UN) announces that half of drought-stricken Somalia will need […]

The Stream, January 10: U.S. Spends a Record $306bn on Natural Disasters in 2017

The Global Rundown The United States spends a record-high amount on natural disasters in 2017. The Democratic Republic of Congo attempts to contain a rapidly-spreading cholera epidemic. Rising ocean temperatures could devastate the marine food web, scientists warn. A study finds that U.S. rivers and streams are getting progressively saltier. Torrential rains trigger flooding, mudslides, […]

HotSpots H2O, January 9: Somalia’s Instability Intensifies Amid Four Years of Failed Rains

Fighting flares in northern Syria, jeopardizing access to water and sanitation.

The Stream, January 8: Southeast England at Risk of Summertime Water Shortages, Officials Warn

The Global Rundown A U.S. government watchdog agency plans to investigate the risks of flooding at Superfund sites. Colorado utilities prepare for water shortages amid the lowest mountain snowfall in 30 years. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh, India, launch a four-pronged plan to stave off drought. Volatile weather patterns cause rivers across Germany to overflow their […]

The Stream, January 5: Protected U.S. Waters Opened Up to Offshore Drilling

The Global Rundown The U.S. opens up previously protected parts of the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans to offshore oil and gas drilling. Engineers develop wearable sensors that allow crops to measure water use. Brazil reevaluates its hydropower policies amid growing environmental concerns. Icy water floods cities along the coast of Massachusetts as a powerful […]